DMD Class Diversity Chairs
Each year, our DMD classes elect representatives to create and promote initiatives and events with the goal of enhancing diversity, inclusion and equity across the College of Dentistry. These Diversity Chairs function as a catalyst for new diversity-related initiatives developed in collaboration with UFCD student organizations, committees and/or departments. Our Diversity Chairs cultivate college-wide knowledge, awareness and promote education of diversity and social issues through their initiatives and events.
Events
Black History Month Lunch & Learn
This annual event allows students to hear from several African American/Black dentists about their dental school experiences, facing adversity, life as practicing dentists, leadership roles, and more in honor of Black History Month. Delicious soul food is served to attendees!
Pride Celebrations
Pride Month 2022 – Diversity Chairs organized three events in honor of Pride Month in 2022. Students were invited to a presentation on how to treat LGBTQ patients who may present to the dental clinic, and students showed their allyship and Pride by picking up a Pride pin and/or sticker on the Sun Terrace.
LGBT+ History Month 2023 – An esteemed faculty member from the UF Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies will give a presentation on Understanding and Addressing LGBTQ Health Disparities as part of our Desserts & Discourse series. Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to attend to hear her research and ask questions.
Juneteenth
Lunch & Learn 2022 – Students were invited to watch an episode of “Black-ish,” which discussed the history and importance of Juneteenth, a newly-recognized federal holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
Celebration at Lake Wauburg 2023 – Students, Faculty, and Staff were invited to come celebrate Juneteenth at an outdoor party at UF’s Lake Wauburg. A local black-owned food truck provided food, and attendees shared stories and poetry about the meaning of the day. This event was such a success that in 2024, the Diversity Chairs plan to expand the event by inviting all the health science colleges to join in the festivities.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Cultural Exploration 2022 – UFCD students were invited to watch an episode of Netflix’s “The Surgeon’s Cut” about a Mexican neurosurgeon’s journey from working as a migrant farmer to becoming one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in the United States. Yummy cultural food from Mi Apa was served as well.
Cafecito y Baile 2023 – In a partnership event with the Hispanic Student Dental Association, the Diversity Chairs will host an hour of Cafecito, pastillitos, dancing, and celebration out on the sun terrace to welcome everyone to celebrate the joy and soul of the Hispanic community. Students will be invited to bring flags that represent their country or culture and dance, eat, and drink Cuban coffee during the celebration.
Eid Al-Adha Celebration (2022)
UFCD students participated in an interactive presentation and discussion to better understand Eid Al-Adha, an Islamic holiday, while enjoying Yemeni coffee and many desserts from many cultures traditionally enjoyed during Eid festivities.
Holiday Cultural Corner (2022 & 2023)
Every year at SAI’s annual Holiday Party, UFCD students are invited to create a display to showcase and celebrate their cultural traditions during the winter holiday season. Student from various faiths and backgrounds participate in sharing their culture, traditions, and customs with their classmates as everyone celebrates the season and everything our students have accomplished.
Lunar New Year (2022 & 2023)
Students from our Class of 2025 have celebrated Lunar New Year with a celebration for the whole class consisting of treats, red envelopes, and the sharing of well-wishes for the upcoming year.